Up to 18% of incoming students never attend, colleges say

Up to 18% of incoming students never attend, colleges say

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SALT LAKE CITY — The summer months can be a tricky time for colleges and universities. A lot of high school graduates who have committed to attend class are slipping through the cracks this time of year.

Classes don't start for the fall semester for several weeks, and yet some new students are already dropping out.

It's a process called "the summer melt." This is when students who have committed to schools decide, for whatever reason, not to attend. University of Utah Office of Admissions Director Matthew Lopez says this is a common problem all colleges face across the country.

"Twelve to upwards of 15 to 18 percent of their students that they expected may melt away in an average year," Lopez said.

There are several reasons why this happens. In Utah, many students decide to serve an LDS mission before going to college.


Twelve to upwards of 15 to 18 percent of their students that they expected may melt away in an average year.

–Matthew Lopez


"We are on a little bit of a ‘wait and see' game, being in year two of the LDS missionary age change," Lopez said. "That threw a little bit of an unknown factor into things."

In other cases, students may be accepted to their preferred school when that college dips into its waiting list.

Lopez said money is another major factor. When students get their acceptance letter, they might not realize just how much classes are going to cost. When they see how expensive college can be, some students decide not to attend.

"Some of those financial pressures may sneak up on a family and that could result [in summer melt]," said Lopez.

To fight this problem, Lopez said the school tries to reach out to students over the summer months to let them know what kind of financial resources are available. Also, school officials keep a close watch on kids who have been accepted but who haven't signed up for any classes.

"We typically are able to identify them as on the fence long before they don't show up on the first day of class," Lopez said.

Schools also offer activities to get these students excited about the upcoming semester.

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